Stakeholders support TCCIA president suspension
STAKEHOLDERS of the Tanzania Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Agriculture (TCCIA) have greeted with a nod the decision to suspend their president, Mr Paul Koyi to pave the way for investigations.
“Suspension of an elected person in a democratic institution should be understood well by all of us. It is a good move.
It is neither a punishment nor an action that seeks to put a suspended person into disrepute. Suspension is a good sign that the constitution of that democratic institution is respected,” said Mr Anthony Laltaika, a Mkuranga retired lawyer-cum-farmer in a random interview yesterday.
According to the lawyer, suspension also sends a signal to elected leaders and people that there is always a price to pay when it becomes obvious that they are not doing what they are expected of them.
“The dignity of suspended persons remains intact; they have a right to appear before the organ that suspended them to give their side of the story. They have an opportunity to defend themselves and be listened to before they are condemned. That is natural justice in practice,” explained the seasoned lawyer.
A Dar es Salaam medical doctor who chose to remain anonymous said members of the public are following keenly what is taking place at TCCIA.
“Some of us wish TCCIA well. This is an important organisation for the growth and strengthening of private sector in Tanzania. We hope justice will finally triumph,” she said.
Mr Nickson Maganga, Shinyanga TCCIA stakeholder, said great effort is made to put individuals in TCCIA leadership, adding that the recent action reflected that such efforts were not in vain.
“When TCCIA constitution is respected it helps to remind our leaders on the importance of fully understanding their responsibilities and the boundaries within which to operate and take action. When boundaries are known, there is efficiency, there is no extravagance and abuse of power,” he said.
Mr Deogratius Ndunguru, a Songea TCCIA stakeholder commended the action taken on October 31, saying such firm action reduced complaints against leaders, including reminding leaders on the need to remain on the guard and be responsible.
“When there are flaws and short-comings in TCCIA it is good and important for the chamber to take action of that nature. Such an action guarantees discipline and accountability within TCCIA,” he said.
Ms Angela Mwombeki said the decision of the chamber through its National Executive Council sent a signal to all that nobody is above TCCIA constitution. “When the constitution and rules of the TCCIA are not respected, alleged malpractices such as corruption, bribery and even fraud are likely to set in. This action shows that no one is above the law,” she said.
TCCIA stakeholders were commenting on the running story following the suspension of TCCIA President Mr Koyi, on October 31, 2022 by the TCCIA National Executive Council on charges that are yet to be made public.
However, acting President, Mr Swallah Saidi Swallah last week assured stakeholders that the TCCIA constitution will be observed in every step taken to implement directives of the National Executive Council.
